Max Verstappen admitted that it has been “difficult to pinpoint” the reason behind the struggles that have prompted Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 departure from Red Bull.
Red Bull has announced the anticipated development that Perez won’t be racing with the squad in 2025, with Liam Lawson having been promoted as his replacement.
The writing was on the wall amid a tumultuous campaign that saw Perez end up a vast 285 points behind Verstappen, contributing to Red Bull slumping to third place.
Perez had commenced the season on an encouraging note, trailing his team-mate home three times during the opening five races as Red Bull’s dominance continued.
However, the Mexican’s results nosedived as Red Bull experienced deteriorating balance woes with the RB20 and the pack converged on the then reigning champions.
Perez was unable to rediscover his earlier-season level despite being given an extended deal in June, scoring a mere 21 points in the 10 races past the summer break.
Verstappen, who overcame Red Bull’s issues to clinch the Drivers’ title with two races to go, has acknowledged that the team’s problems accentuated Perez’s troubles.
Asked to decipher why Perez had endured more trouble in the sister RB20, Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week: “Yeah, it’s very difficult to pinpoint that.
“I mean, our car from the start, of course, has not been the easiest to drive.
“We were still, of course, dominant in the beginning, but then I think, yeah, with some upgrades on the car, it made it even more difficult to drive.
“Of course, also for me, but I think even more for Checo for his driving style.
“When others are closing up, every little detail makes a massive difference in results or where you qualify.
“Because if you then don’t qualify well, you’re in the middle of the pack, things can go wrong.
“From my side, it’s very difficult to comment for him, why things have gone the way they have gone.
“But I can tell you that, of course, in the middle of the season, especially, our car has been a bit all over the shop, sometimes quite positive. And again, very difficult.
“Even for us, it was just very hard to find the direction. And for sure, that also didn’t help Checo in general.”
Verstappen commends ‘great team player’ Perez
Verstappen expressed that he maintained a good relationship throughout with Perez, who had been alongside the Dutchman for all four of his championships to date.
“I have to say he’s always been a great team player, and I’ve always enjoyed working with him every single Grand Prix, even when we had tough times,” he added.
“I think he was always there to try and get the best possible result out of it. So for me, there’s nothing negative at all to say about him. We get on super well.
“And of course, when I see sometimes he’s struggling with the results, it’s not nice to see, also for the team.”
Red Bull tried its best to support Perez
Verstappen accepted that Red Bull had done its utmost to improve Perez’s prospects but to no avail, though, as he ended the term with three non-scores in four races.
“But I think also the team has always given their very best and always tried to support him in the best possible way to get the best out of it,” he continued.
“But unfortunately, that didn’t always happen.”
Verstappen has since penned a message to Perez on social media, adding: “It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you.
“We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo!”
READ MORE – Christian Horner claims Sergio Perez chose to leave Red Bull to take F1 break
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